OK Update: House Could Consider Breeder Law Changes Today (4/26)

Senate Bill 637, which seeks to amend the Oklahoma Commercial Pet Breeders Act, is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives as early as today.

If you would like to contact your State Representative regarding this measure, click here and insert your address to view their name and contact information.

Scroll down to view more information on SB 637 and the Oklahoma Commercial Pet Breeders Act.

For more information on SB 637 and the Oklahoma Commercial Pet Breeders Act, contact the Oklahoma Animal Interest Alliance at dogdoc88@flash.net or the AKC Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.

Senate Bill 637, which seeks to amend the Oklahoma Commercial Pet Breeders Act, is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives next week.

If you would like to contact your State Representative regarding this measure, click here and insert your address to view their name and contact information.

Establishing a toll-free hotline for reporting animal abuse – Callers will be required to include their name and phone number. Anonymous reports will not be accepted.

Prohibiting the Board from hiring “humane society groups” or members of humane society groups to perform inspections.

Adding further acts that would result in revocation of a license – Currently a license may be revoked for anyone who fails to meet the standards of care outlined in the regulations. SB 637 states that a license may also be revoked for anyone who fails to meet the application requirements or is convicted of a serious felony (such as murder, kidnapping, child abuse, etc.) or convicted under the Oklahoma Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

As currently written, SB 637 exempts those currently licensed by the USDA. However, an amendment has been filed on the floor to remove this exemption.

Current law defines “commercial breeder” as anyone who owns 11 or more adult intact female dogs or cats “for the use of breeding…” The AKC believes this is an inaccurate definition for a commercial breeder and opposed it when it was considered in the Legislature. Because this definition does not provide a time frame, it could apply to anyone who has owned or co-owned a total of 11 or more intact females over 6 months of age at any time, even if they are not currently breeding their animals.It could also be interpreted to apply to someone who breeds only a litter or two a year. SB 637 retains this vague definition, and the AKC has requested that it be amended. Read AKC's Legislative Alert from 2010, which outlines our position and objections to the Commercial Pet Breeders Act.

For more information on SB 637 and the Oklahoma Commercial Pet Breeders Act, contact the Oklahoma Animal Interest Alliance at dogdoc88@flash.net or the AKC Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.

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Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health and training information for dogs. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports.